Wood destroying insects threaten the structural integrity of single-family homes across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These pests work quietly inside beams, floors, decks, and framing, often causing thousands of dollars in damage before homeowners notice a problem. Homeowner’s insurance rarely covers the repairs.
Colonial Pest Control has protected New England families since 1984. Our approach starts with a thorough inspection and immediate elimination (clean-out) of the active infestation, then transitions into preventative maintenance programs that stop future problems before they start. This combination is the most reliable way to safeguard your home and family.
Common Wood-Destroying Insects in MA & NH Homes
Eastern Subterranean Termites
The most destructive wood-destroying insect in our region. These termites live in the soil, build mud tubes to reach wood, and feed on cellulose. Colonies can number in the hundreds of thousands and remain hidden for years. Spring swarmers (winged reproductives) are a common warning sign.
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Carpenter Ants
The most frequently encountered wood-destroying pest for New England homeowners. They do not eat wood but excavate smooth galleries in moist or decaying timber to nest. Over time this weakens structural members. Look for coarse sawdust-like frass, rustling sounds in walls, and large black ants (especially winged swarmers in late spring). Moisture problems almost always accompany these infestations.
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Powder Post Beetles & Other Wood-Boring Beetles
These include true powderpost beetles (Lyctidae), false powderpost beetles (Bostrichidae), anobiid/deathwatch beetles, and the old house borer. Larvae tunnel through hardwood floors, trim, furniture, and softwood framing, leaving fine powdery or gritty frass and small round or oval exit holes. Damage from these wood destroying insects can continue for years inside the wood.
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Carpenter Bees
Large bees that drill perfectly round ½-inch holes into unfinished or weathered wood on decks, fascia, eaves, railings, and trim. Females create nesting galleries; males hover aggressively but do not sting. Repeated use of the same sites and secondary woodpecker damage can weaken exterior wood and allow moisture intrusion.
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Other wood-boring insects occasionally found in New England homes (such as certain longhorn beetles) are identified and addressed during our inspections using the same proven methods.
Signs You May Have a Wood-Destroying Insect Problem
- Mud tubes on foundations, walls, or joists
- Fine powdery or coarse sawdust-like frass piles
- Small round or oval exit holes in wood
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Discarded wings near windows or doors (spring)
- Soft or yielding wood, blistered paint, or sagging floors
- Visible ants, bees, or beetles near damaged areas
Early detection of wood destroying insect prevents major structural repairs. Many real-estate transactions in MA and NH require a Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI / NPMA-33) inspection for this reason.
Our Proven Process for Wood-Destroying Insects
- Comprehensive inspection by state-licensed technicians who understand New England construction and local pest pressures.
- Immediate elimination / clean-out of the active infestation using targeted, low-impact treatments matched to the specific pest (bait systems for termites, borate wood treatments for beetles, dusts and non-repellents for ants and bees).
- Moisture and exclusion recommendations to correct the conditions that attract these pests.
- Preventative maintenance programs (our Gold and Platinum plans) that provide ongoing monitoring and barrier protection so the problem does not return.
Pest preventative maintenance is the best long-term solution. Pairing a thorough initial service with one of our ongoing programs gives upper-middle-class homeowners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire the strongest protection for their investment and family.
Why Choose Colonial Pest Control
- Trusted by New England homeowners since 1984
- Founder-owned and locally operated
- State-licensed technicians and on-staff entomological expertise
- Environmentally responsible, family- and pet-conscious treatments
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee — if you are not completely happy, we make it right
Protect your home before small problems become expensive structural damage.
Request your free wood-destroying insect inspection and quote today. Call 1-800-525-8084 or request service online. No obligation — just clear answers and a customized plan from the team New England families have relied on for more than four decades.